Carnation plant named ‘CFPC Harmony’

ABSTRACT

A new variety of carnation plant producing white flowers with pink markings.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of carnationplant which was discovered by me as a naturally whole branch mutation ina controlled planting of ‘CFPC Passion’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 10,416).The varietal denomination of the new variety is ‘CFPC Harmony’.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Among the novel characteristics possessed by the new variety whichdistinguishes it is white flowers with very faint medium pink markings.When grown under glass in Salinas, Calif., in 4½ inch plastic potsplants are about 7¾ inches tall and about 7 inches diameter. Flowerdiameter averages about 1{fraction (9/16)} inches with a crown of about¾ inches (average). Foliage is about 3½ inches long and about {fraction(5/16)} inches wide. The new variety is grown mainly under greenhouseconditions but can be transplanted into a garden environment or patiocontainer outdoors protected from the direct sun, such as plantings bywalls or near shaded areas. It is believed that with regular wateringand feeding, new blooms will form and finish all year round.

Asexual reproduction by propagation by cuttings of the new variety asperformed in Salinas, Calif., shows that the foregoing and otherdistinguishing characteristics come true to form and are established andtransmitted through succeeding propagations.

COMPARISON WITH PARENT

The new variety differs from its parent in flower color.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATION

The accompanying illustration shows typical specimens of the vegetativegrowth and flowers of the new variety depicted in color as nearly trueas it is reasonably possible to make the same in color illustration ofthis character.

DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW VARIETY

The following is a detailed description of my new variety, with colorterminology in accordance with The Royal Horticultural Society ColorChart (R.H.S.C.C.). The terminology used in color description hereinrefers to plate numbers in the aforementioned color chart. Phenotypicalexpression may vary depending upon varying environmental, seasonal andcultural conditions.

The information provided herein is based on observations of plants growninside commercial greenhouses at Salinas, Calif. The height of plant andflower and foliage size are established as an average using standardcommercial cultural practices.

Classification:

Botanical.—Dianthus caryophyllus.

Commercial.—Carnation, greenhouse type, suitable for production as a potspray.

1. Plant:

Height.—About 7¾ inches.

Growing habit.—Herbaceous, semi-upright.

Blooming habit.—As a spray (pot), about 2 to 3 blooms per spray.

Blooming season.—Year round.

Breaking action.—Good, about 10-11 laterals per plant, pinching isrequired.

Rooting time.—About 17 days.

Disease resistance.—Good, typical of carnations.

2. Foliage:

Color.—Upper side: Near 137A. Lower side: Near 137B.

Size.—About 3½ inches long, about {fraction (5/16)} inches wide.

Quantity.—Numerous.

Shape.—Lanceolate.

Texture.—Smooth.

Ribs.—Central, Keeled.

Arrangement.—Bi-lateral along stem.

Stem color.—Near 135B.

Pedicel.—Near 135B.

Lastingness.—About 1 week after cutting.

3. Bud:

Shape.—Ovoid.

Color.—Near 138B.

Length.—About 1{fraction (3/16)} inches.

Diameter.—About {fraction (7/16)} inch.

4. Calyx:

Number of bracts.—About 5.

Length.—About ¼ inch.

Width.—About {fraction (3/16)} inch.

Color.—Outside — near 138B. Inside — near 145C.

Bursting/Splitting.—Has not been observed.

5. Bloom:

Shape.—Round.

Size.—Diameter average: About 1{fraction (9/16)} inches. Depth average:About ¾ inch.

Color.—General tonality: White with pink markings. At Maturity: Upperside: Whiter than 155D, near 68B pink markings. Lower side: Whiter than155D, near 68B pink markings. Center: Whiter than 155D, near 68B pinkmarkings. Outer petals: Whiter than 155D, near 68B pink markings.

Keeping quality.—Good.

Fragrance.—None to slight.

6. Petals:

Number.—About 15.

Outer petals.—Length: About 1⅔ inches. Width: About {fraction (9/16)}inch.

Central petals.—Length: About 1⅓ inches. Width: About ¾ inch.

Texture.—Smooth.

Form.—Fan shaped.

Appearance.—Shiny.

Margin.—Smooth.

7. Reproductive organs:

Stamens.—None.

Pistil.—Number 1. Color: Whiter than 155D. Length: About 1 inch.

Stigma.—Number: About 3. Color: Whiter than 155D.

Ovary.—Shape: Conical. Color: Base — near 11D. Body — near 144A. Apex —near 144A.

Fertility.—Female: Very good. Male: None.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct carnation plant of the varietysubstantially as shown and described.